Galus has a purpose but is a negative concept that is best when finished. Bavli mentions galus among those items that G-d regrets – referring to the present time period. Yerushalmi does not list Galus, represents the future.
The Jewish soul cannot achieve perfection without a physical body
Although the First Fruits (the soul) are the finest of the crop, they cannot achieve perfection without a basket (the body).
Rambam: At time of building, the stones of the Bais HaMikdash need to be complete
After built, a different standard applies to disqualify a stone.
The Mitzvah of First Fruits
Gemara - after the conquest (14 years); Sifri - upon entering the Land (מיד) to each person.
To awaken the essence of the soul
One elevates beyond limitations to G-d’s essence. This mitzvah is attained by one’s intention to emulate G-d’s Ways as much as possible; only attained by הליכה, going beyond limitations.
One must study daily events (miracles) up to 40 years to reach their true meaning
40 years are necessary for the student to internalize his Rebbi’s way of thinking, and see all his teachings in the same way.
BeSHT–faith encompasses all the soul powers of a man
Alter Rebbe–every soul power uniquely perceives G-d. ר' יוחנן included Parnassa with the key to rain; all from G-d and man’s actions have no value. מערבא – separate key directly in the Hand of G-d; since G-d commanded, man’s action have value.
Parsha Ki Savo – Chai Elul
Time Mitzvah of First Fruits Began
- Sifri - Immediately upon entering the Land מיד
- Gemara - After the conquest and division of the entire Land 14 years after entering
הודאה Thankfulness
- Upon waking - מודה אני - Pure faith - בעל שם טוב - Increase of faith עבודה כללית
- At the conclusion of one’s prayers - שמך ל יודוקים יאך צד - Intellectual contemplation - אדמו"ר הזקן - Chabad – primacy of intellect עבודת פרטית
Final Verse of the Admonition (28:68)
והתמכרתם שם לאיביך
There, you will offer yourselves for sale to your enemies
“There” in the realms of the forbidden, a Baal Teshuvah will “offer oneself for sale” spiritually elevate, “your enemies” the forbidden interactions from prior to Teshuvah
לעבדים ולשפחות
As slaves and handmaidens
Being a master of self control, the Baal Teshuvah is compared to a slave who does not find the tasks easy, but does them nonetheless with utmost dedication
ואין קונה
But there will be no buyer
“because they will decree death upon you” the Baal Teshuvah manages to “kill” the obsession with pleasures of the world, yearning to become one with G-d revealing אין which is higher than קונה
